It's exciting to move overseas-- new people, new cuisine, and endless other new experiences await you. But before you can begin experiencing a diverse culture, there is so much planning and preparation to be done! The customs process can be complicated, and you will have to do a great deal of research before you make the international trek. Be sure to plan ahead and find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods into Morocco for your move!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Morocco, there are many
important documents needed to clear customs successfully and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, be sure to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you in the preparation of your paperwork.
When moving to Morocco, you will need:
- Passport (copy, with photo page and entry stamp into Morocco)
- Bill of lading/Airway bill
- Comprehensive valued inventory list (notarized in French and dated and signed by client)
- Original change of residence certificate (in French, issued by authorities at point of origin, and signed and stamped on letterhead)
- Residence visa (from nearest central police station in Morocco)
- Work permit or letter from employer
- Work contract (issued by Labor Ministry in Rabat)
- Authorization letter (signed by customer to authorize Destination Agent to clear the shipment)
- Packing list (in French)
- Duty free certificate (for free entry provided by customs head office)
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When moving to Morocco permanently, the regulations for the import of both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) include:
- Household goods and personal effects are duty free in reasonable amounts if more than six months old
- Electronics and appliances should be loaded near container door
- Electronics and appliances less than six months old require invoices
- Shipments may be inspected
- Customer presence is not required for customs clearance
- If additional shipments are being imported, customs authorities must be informed of any upon arrival of the first shipment
- If two shipments are being imported, the second should arrive less than six months after the first
- All documents must arrive to Destination Agent no less than 15 days before shipment's arrival
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Morocco, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Pornography and politically sensitive materials
- Walkie-talkies, phones, answering machines and fax machines
- Alcohol (except wine)
- Tobacco
- Moroccan currency
- Explosives
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to maximum quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Firearms and ammunition (only smooth-barreled hunting rifles are allowed, require an import permit, must be stored near the container door)
- New items less than six months old (dutiable and require commercial invoices)
- Food and beverage
- Antiques
- Medication (permit from the Ministry of Health required)
- Portable and mobile phones (permit from the Ministry of P.T.T . required)
- Alcohol --only wine is permitted (no more than 12 bottles allowed, must state Fond de cave ou ustensiles de cuisine on packing list)
- Books, records, cassettes and disks (must have separate inventory, stating the title, and author to be viewed by the Ministry of Information and issued a Censorship Visa)
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Morocco, you'll require the services of experienced and reliable international vehicle shippers with significant knowledge of automobile shipping laws and customs regulations.
The requirements for importing your vehicle into Morocco include:
- Vehicles may be imported for a temporary three months without duty (after this period, vehicle must be exported or customer must pay required duties)
- Vehicles are highly dutiable for permanent import
- Vehicles must be for personal use only (not for sale, rental, or transfer)
- Vehicles must be exported upon leaving the country
- Vehicles over five years old are prohibited
You need the following documents:
- Original title and registration
- Passport
- Import permit
- Original bill of lading (must state chassis and engine serial numbers, weight, make and model)
- Commercial invoice
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs without trouble. To successfully cross Moroccan borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Certificate of vaccination
- Health certificate (dated no more than 14 days prior to departure from origin country, issued by a licensed veterinarian)
- Documents must be certified by Department of Agriculture and sent to the Moroccan Consulate
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving requires research, preparation, and the services of qualified, trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are professional, experienced, and knowledgeable of the customs process in Morocco. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential movers will also prevent you from making a common international moving mistake.
Ready to find reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receiving estimates from up to seven reliable movers in your area.
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